David Kelly Summers

David's full of life heart, beat one last time March 15, 20214, after attending a reception with his wife of 54 years, Cheryl. He regarded everyone as a friend and found positive traits in all his many acquaintances.

David was born in Renton, Washington on October 12, 1946, to his mother (who was a Navy Nursing Officer) and his father (who was a WWII Navy Pilot). He is survived by his brothers, Daniel, and Stephen; sons Ryan and Scott (Courtney); and his most precious grandchildren, Makenzie & Mason.

After serving in the Army for three years, David earned a Mechanical Engineering degree from UNM. He immediately passed the national exam to be licensed as a Professional Engineer. But what would really shock his Sandia High School (1964) teachers, would be his dual masters from UNM in Nuclear Engineering and Business Administration. These degrees were put to good use as he represented PNM's ownership in the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station and served for decades on the UNM Nuclear Reactor Safety Committee. He was named one of UNM's most influential engineering graduates. After spending a few years at Sandia Laboratories, David retired.

During these years lifelong activities continued to provide joy and deep friendships. David skied, golfed, boated at Lake Powell, and loved international cruising. To all of those who shared these experiences with David, please give him a smile as you view the constellations that he loved.

Join the family for a Life Celebration on April 12, 2024, at 1:30pm at FRENCH-Wyoming.